Salar de Atacama and Lagunas Altiplánicas. Extension to Piedras Rojas

On this trip we will visit some of the most beautiful places in southeastern San Pedro de Atacama. We will visit the salt flat and learn about how it forms, Chaxa Lagoon where we can observe a variety of small birds, the endemic Fabian Lizard and the Andean, James, and Austral flamingos (depending on the season), among other species. Then, as we approach the volcanoes we will climb altitude and go up into the mountains where we can see the pre-puna vegetation also known as “tolares” that is located around 3,500 masl or 2,175 fasl. Once we reach the puna we can see flora and fauna native to the zone such as the Vicuña, Andean Fox or Culpeo Fox, and scrubland. We can also sight remains of past volcanic eruptions called ignimbrite (volcanic, pumice stone) fields. And finally we will experience the breathtaking views of two lagoons that were formed over 4,000 meters or 2,485 feet in the high-plateau, where we can observe the near endangered Horned Coot. Being that it is a long expedition, the travelers will be consulted whether they prefer to continue to Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) or return to San Pedro. Should the travelers choose to continue the journey, we will see high-plateau landscapes of a gorgeous color combinations and find ourselves enduring winds that remind us of our own fragility itself in these tough weather conditions.